DEMONSTRATORS REMAIN SAT DOWN ON THE ROAD, 2000-01-18 (photo)

Ecuadorian demonstrators block the road, protesting against the change of the economy in Quito, January 18. Students are supporting Ecuador's indigenous peoples who have been mustered by their leaders to descend on Quito to protests against the economic crisis which has beset their country. Ecuadorian President Jamil Mahuad changed his country's economy to be based on the U.S. dollar in an attempt to control galloping inflation just over a week ago. This drastic measure has met with a mixed response, but has split his opposition and calmed protests which threatened to overthrow him. The indigenous protests are Mahuad's last obstacle. GG